Southern Africa: Once-in-a-lifetime experience on the African Continent with the post-cruise program "From Zimbabwe to South Africa on a Luxury Train" (port-to-port cruise)

12 days
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River Cruise
From Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, you’ll discover spectacular panoramas and tumultuous histories, but also incredible wildlife and carefully crafted menus that reflect the flavors and savors of Africa, as well as the most beautiful natural reserves and the secrets of Lake Kariba before taking in the grandeur of the “smoke that thunders,” Victoria Falls. A...
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$18,143
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Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS Enjoy the stillness of a magical, luxurious lodge with spacious bungalows
    • Unique cruise on Lake Kariba through emblematic and mysterious landscapes
    • Land and water safaris in Chobé and Matusadona National Parks
    • The grandness of Victoria Falls is waiting for you, on foot or on board a helicopter (optional)
    • INCLUDED post-cruise EXTENDED STAY: A safari to see the vast wildlife in Hwange National Park
    • Time stands still as the scenery rolls by

What's this trip about?

    From Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, you’ll discover spectacular panoramas and tumultuous histories, but also incredible wildlife and carefully crafted menus that reflect the flavors and savors of Africa, as well as the most beautiful natural reserves and the secrets of Lake Kariba before taking in the grandeur of the “smoke that thunders,” Victoria Falls. After your safari-cruise, continue exploring Southern Africa on board the legendary Rovos Rail, traveling across the grand decor of the high plains in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Get ready for a legendary experience on board the African Orient Express!

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal transport included (including local flights)
Start CityAmsterdam
End CityAmsterdam

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel
  • Family Friendly
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Netherlands

Attractions

  • Amsterdam

Activities

  • River cruise

Trip includes

    • >> CORE PROGRAM The domestic flights and their taxes (150€ - 2023 rates) - your cruise with double-occupancy cabin in your choice of category - double-occupancy accomodations at a first-class CroisiEurope lodge and at 4-and-5-star hotels LS - all meals - drinks served by CroisiEurope at all meals and drinks served at the bar on the ship and at the CroisiEurope lodge - in Johannesburg and Victoria falls, drinks include: 1 water, 1 glass of local wine* or 1 soft drink or 1 local beer*, 1 tea or coffee per person and per meal - the excursions mentioned in the program - travel assistance and repatriation insurance - tips (excluding tips for crew members on board the ship and at the lodge). Tips :To make your vacation worry-free, the equivalent of €20 per passenger will be given to service providers in your destination countries (excluding tips for crew members on board the ship and at the lodge) as tips. We feel this amount is appropriate in consideration of local customs and practice. >> EXTENDED STAY Post-cruise: Transfers –accommodations according to category booked on board the luxury Rovos Rail train from Victoria Falls to Pretoria, with all meals included – drinks package: one glass of local wine* or one local beer* or one non-alcoholic drink + one bottle of water + one tea or coffee per person/per meal in Victoria Falls and Pretoria - beverages included at all meals on board the train (except champagne) - tours and excursions mentioned in the program. *Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Johannesburg (South Africa)

We’ll meet up at the hotel at 11:30 a.m. We’ll have lunch before visiting the Apartheid Museum(1) which opened in 2001. It is famous the world over for being the first museum centering on South African history in the 20th century, and more particularly on Apartheid. A...

Day 1 Johannesburg (South Africa)

We’ll meet up at the hotel at 11:30 a.m. We’ll have lunch before visiting the Apartheid Museum(1), the first museum centering on South African history in the 20th century. Afterwards, we’ll set off for a panoramic tour of Johannesburg, the city of superlatives. We’ll arrive at our five-star hotel LS. You’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night at the hotel.  

Day 2 Johannesburg - Kasane - Arrival at LODGE (South Africa-Botswana-Namibia)

We’ll take a regular flight from Johannesburg to Kasane, Botswana. You’ll be transferred from the airport to your CroisiEurope lodge on board a small private boat. Take advantage of your trip to observe the numerous bird species living among the flooded flatlands. You...

Day 2 Johannesburg - Kasane - Arrival at LODGE (South Africa-Botswana-Namibia)

We’ll take a regular flight from Johannesburg to Kasane, Botswana. You’ll be transferred from the airport to your CroisiEurope lodge on board small private boats. You’ll settle into your comfortable lodge ideally located at the heart of the wilderness. We’ll have dinner and spend the night at the lodge.

Day 3 LODGE: Chobe National Park (Namibia-Botswana)

We’ll journey out on a full-day safari in Jeeps to explore the Chobe National Park that is home to more than 1/4 of the total elephant population in Africa. Enjoy lunch in a “floating restaurant” in the middle of the river where the views of the surrounding nature are...

Day 3 LODGE: Chobe National Park (Namibia-Botswana)

Enjoy a full-day safari in Jeeps to explore the Chobe National Park and its majestic fauna. Lunch in a “floating restaurant” with incredible views of the surrounding nature. Afterwards, we’ll board small private boats and sail off on Chobe River all the way to Sedudu Island and its marshes. We’ll have dinner and spend the night at the lodge.

Day 4 LODGE: Impalila Island (Namibia)

Join us for a trip to authentic villages on Impalila Island, Namibia, to discover the traditional Namibian houses, culture and customs. We’ll return to our lodge for lunch. This afternoon, you can enjoy time at leisure at the lodge, taking advantage of the pool and co...

Day 4 LODGE: Impalila Island (Namibia)

Discover traditional villages on Impalila Island. We’ll return to our lodge for lunch. This afternoon, you can enjoy time at leisure at the lodge or join us for a discovery of the Zambezi River on small private boats. We’ll have dinner at the lodge. Tonight, let your guide tell you all about the traditions of this particular island. Night spent at the lodge.

Day 5 Lodge - Kasane - Lake Kariba - BOARDING THE SHIP (Namibia-Botswana-Zimbabwe)

We’ll depart from the lodge for one last water safari in the Chobe National Park area. After lunch along the water, we'll set out for the Kasane airport. On board private planes, you’ll be amazed at the stunning panoramas over Lake Kariba and the changing landscapes o...

Day 5 Lodge - Kasane - Lake Kariba - BOARDING THE SHIP (Namibia-Botswana-Zimbabwe)

Enjoy one last water safari in the Chobe National Park area. After lunch along the water, we'll set out for the Kasane airport. On board small private planes, you’ll discover the stunning panoramas over Lake Kariba during your flight from Kasane to Kariba. You’ll be t...

Day 6 SHIP: LAKE KARIBA - SAILING TO SPURWING ISLAND (Zimbabwe)

At sunrise, we’ll set sail through the rare and mysterious landscapes of Lake Kariba where drowned trees reach skywards from the depths of the reflecting water. We’ll set out on a small private boat to discover the small waterways going into the Matusadona National Pa...

Day 6 SHIP: LAKE KARIBA - SAILING TO SPURWING ISLAND (Zimbabwe)

At sunrise, we’ll set sail through Lake Kariba. We’ll set out on a small private boat to discover the small waterways going into the Matusadona National Park and their unique wildlife. We’ll return on board for lunch. This afternoon, we’ll sail towards Palm Bay. Later, we'll set out on small private boats to admire the sunset. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.

Day 7 SHIP: LAKE KARIBA - MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK (Zimbabwe)

We’ll journey out this morning on a safari to discover the area around Matusadona National Park. Bordered by the Sanyati and Ume Rivers, this 1,400km²/540 sq mi-large untouched area is home to numerous animal species such as elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalos as ...

Day 7 SHIP: LAKE KARIBA - MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK (Zimbabwe)

We’ll journey out this morning on a safari to discover the area around Matusadona National Park and its numerous wild animals. We’ll enjoy lunch on board and start sailing again. During this time, a round table will be the opportunity to learn more about the creation of the Lake, its inhabitants as well as its ecosystem. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.

Day 8 SHIP: KARIBA - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

At sunrise, we’ll set sail towards Kariba to disembark and journey out to the airport.  We’ll discover the gigantic Kariba Dam which was created in 1955 to form Lake Kariba. Today, the dam serves as a source of electric power for 70% of Zimbabwe. You’ll get to discove...

Day 8 SHIP: KARIBA - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

At sunrise, we’ll set sail towards Kariba to disembark and journey out to the airport. We’ll discover the gigantic Kariba Dam which was created to form Lake Kariba before flying out to Victoria Falls on board private planes. Lunch cruise on the Zambezi River. This afternoon, enjoy a tour on foot of the falls. Tonight, enjoy dinner and spend the night at a four-star hotel LS.

Day 9 Victoria Falls

Optional early morning excursion: Soar over Victoria Falls in a helicopter (must reserve when signing up for the cruise).Lunch will be served at the hotel. Guided tour of Victoria Falls Bridge. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, this superstructure spans the ...

Day 10 Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe)

Morning dedicated to exploring Hwange National Park in four-wheel-drive vehicles. The best place for safaris in Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park, was delineated in 1928 and is one of the best places to observe the impressive "Big Five" animals: lions, African buffalo, l...

Day 11 Relaxing day on board (Zimbabwe - South Africa)

Sit back and enjoy the scenery from the Observation Car as the train crosses the border and the Limpopo River before arriving in Musina, South Africa. We'll have lunch on board. We'll cross the Tropic of Capricorn, the southern-most latitude where the sun appears dire...

Day 12 Pretoria - Johannesburg

Enjoy one last breakfast on board before disembarking. Visit the Rovos Rail museum to see its antique rail collection. You'll be transferred to the center of Pretoria—called Jacaranda City, as the tropical jacaranda trees turn the city a magnificent purple hue each sp...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $14,750
Price per day$1,229
Last Updated: 4/15/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
10 Aug 2024
22 Aug 2024
$14,750
31 Aug 2024
12 Sep 2024
$14,750
19 Oct 2024
31 Oct 2024
$12,904

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with CroisiEurope.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

CroisiEurope Reviews & Ratings

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Other CroisiEurope Reviews

j

jcwer

Jan 2023

Provided byCroisiEurope

It’s affordable, the atmosphere on board is unique, the routes can be very interesting.

Summary over a cruise on the Haute Seine and Yonne on a barge. As seasoned cruisers, knowing well all aspects of cruising on seas and rivers, we had no experience ab...

h

htrowland

Jan 2023

Provided byCroisiEurope

Great tours and food! Exceptional customer service

As a female solo traveller, I especially appreciated CroisiEurope's summer special waiving single supplements. I am non-EU national, and very much enjoyed the intern...

B

Bronx resident

Jan 2023

Provided byCroisiEurope

A memorable four nights on the Seine - Le Havre to Paris

We had never been on a European river cruise before and chose this one for its brevity, just four nights. We were very happy with our choice and heartily recommend C...

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Tour Operator

CroisiEurope

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Since 1976 CroisiEurope has pioneered river cruising on the most beautiful waterways in Europe, and we are Europe’s largest and most experienced river cruise line. When you sail with us, you can relax and know that you will be well taken care of.

We have been privileged to take more than 200,000 passengers to the lands of their dreams, for the times of their lives. Our fleet of 30 ships will take you to your choice of dazzling riverside cities in France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Belgium — to the romantic Rhine Valley, the Rhône and Saône, the Seine, the beautiful blue Danube, the Douro Valley, Venice, and more — where you can explore and enjoy local food, wine, history, art and culture. We have a dedicated and knowledgeable staff of almost 1,000 people, whose conviviality, attentiveness and professionalism ensures that your voyage will be comfortable and pleasurable. Our staff and crews speak English, and many of them speak other major European languages as well. So you’ll be in the heart of European culture and charm, but you’ll always be able to find someone who understands you.

All our vessels are fully inspected on a regular basis, and are consistently renovated and upgraded to keep pace with safety standards as well as the needs of our customers. Our entire fleet is certified compliant with VERITAS global standards, a guarantee of safety and quality.

CroisiEurope’s headquarters is situated at the crossroads of Europe, in Strasbourg, France, near the banks of the Rhine. This historic, forward-thinking city is the perfect home us: we’re grounded in the past, and excited about the future. We’re an independent, family-owned business — so even though we’re the biggest and most experienced, we’re still small and friendly. We understand the personal touch. 

Come aboard! We can’t wait to show you the sights of Europe.

River Cruising: The Difference

Imagine gliding past quaint villages, ancient hillside castles and stone forts; past sun-drenched olive groves and vineyards, snow-capped mountains and thundering gorges; under glittering night-lit bridges in exotic cities.  Imagine eating first-class French cuisine while floating on a sparkling river, watching the gorgeous landscape pass by.

Envision your ship docking in the heart of a beautiful, historic European city:  its treasures of art, music, food, culture, and history await your leisurely exploration. 

Our trips offer you the opportunity to intimately experience the culture of a region or a country, and to visit some of Europe’s most dazzling cities and towns — in France, Spain, Italy, Germany or Belgium — in ease and comfort.

Our ship will be your floating hotel:  small enough to moor at a town or city port, but large enough to provide you every amenity.  The capacity of just 100 to 200 passengers allows a warm and convivial atmosphere on board, as well as the opportunity for quiet privacy and independence. The pace of our river cruises is relaxed and tranquil; the scenery is gorgeous and changes moment to moment.

And river cruising is smooth, so there’s no need to worry about seasickness.  Unpack your bags, and relax and enjoy the trip. 

Come sail with CroisiEurope, and discover why river cruising is the new way to travel. 

French Cuisine, European Flair

The heart and soul of CroisiEurope is European and international.

Other cruise lines may offer good food.  With CroisiEurope, you’ll cruise the rivers of Europe aboard your own French restaurant.

We carefully design and plan our cuisine and menus in the exacting tradition of fine French gastronomy.  Each meal on your cruise will give you a delightful experience of French haute cuisine.  Our chefs have worked alongside such Michelin-starred greats as Paul Bocuse and Marc Haeberlin; CroisiEurope’s head chef, Alain Bohn, was recently nominated as a member of the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France. This esteemed French association, created 50 years ago, includes only 250 chefs worldwide.

A large number of our crew and staff speak many major European languages, so you may find yourself able to chat in Spanish, Italian, or Hungarian as well as French and English.

Eco-Friendliness

European countries have long been in the forefront of eco-friendly practices, and CroisiEurope is proud to have been a pioneer in this field since well before these practices became standard.  Our commitment to the environment goes far beyond legal requirements. 

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • >> CORE PROGRAM international flights and their taxes - flight between Victoria Falls and Johannesburg - other transfers - cancellation and baggage insurance - Zimbabwean visa (must be paid on site, cost differs by Nationality category – please check with Zimbabwe Embassy in your country) - cancellation/baggage insurance - optional excursion - tips for crew members on board the ship and at the lodge (for informational purposes, daily tips per passenger amount to US$5) - the Botswana Tourism levy (US$30 to be paid for on site in US$, and likely to be applicable in the year) - personal expenses. >> EXTENDED STAY Post-cruise: Transfers – accommodations in a Pullman Suite on board the luxury Rovos Rail train from Victoria Falls to Pretoria, with all meals included – drinks package: one glass of local wine* or one local beer* or one non-alcoholic drink + one bottle of water + one tea or coffee per person/per meal in Victoria Falls and Pretoria - beverages included at all meals on board the train (except champagne) - tours and excursions mentioned in the program narrated in French (except for the safari in Hwange National Park, which will be in English).
Requirements
Depending on nationality. Each nationality is requested to consult their embassy or consulate.,
Cancellation policy

/!\ ATTENTION - BAGGAGE REGULATIONS TO FOLLOW /!\

On this trip we plan to use private planes to get you between Kasane (lodge) and Kariba (ship).

The airline company operating these flights are imposing many restrictions regarding the bags being transported due to the capacity of the planes and for safety reasons.

You’ll find the list of regulations below:

  • Your checked baggage (1 per person maximum) MUST NOT EXCEED 20KG/44lbs.
  • It MUST COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING DIMENSIONS 60cm/23,60in. in length x 40cm/15,70in. in height x 30cm/11,80in. in width.
  • It must be made from SOFT FABRIC. Hard-shell suitcases are not accepted.
  • Luggage with wheels is accepted (a maximum of 2 wheels per bag).
  • Your carry-on baggage and personal items MUST NOT EXCEED 3KG/6.6lbs.

If your baggage does not comply with the above rules, THE AIRLINE WILL REFUSE TO TRANSPORT IT. Your stay aboard the ship would take place without your personal belongings. At the end of your cruise and before taking your international flight, you will be forced to return to the lodge at your own expense to collect your suitcase.

For your comfort, a laundry service is available during your stay at the lodge and on the train.

***

CABIN FOR TRIPLE USE ON BOARD THE SHIP If two adults and one child are sharing one cabin, the spare bed will measure 150cm x 80cm (59 in. x 31 in.).

***

DRESS CODE

During the daytime on board the train, the dress code is smart casual. In the evening, please wear more formal clothes. Men must wear a jacket and tie; cocktail dress is required for women.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
THE CROISIEUROPE DIFFERENCE All meals included - DRINKS INCLUDED with meals and at the bar Refined local cuisine Official welcome from the captain and crew Tour leader or cruise director on board Onboard activities and/or lectures Travel assistance and repatriation insurance All port fees included
Trip ID
croisieurope-20A_PP

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